Tragedy struck again in Lagos on Friday when a 103-year-old woman was burnt to death after fire gutted her apartment at No. 8, Bola Street, off Kadara Street, Oyingbo, Lagos Mainland Local Government Area.
The centenarian, who was asleep when the fire broke out, was trapped inside her apartment and could not escape as the flames spread rapidly.
Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed the incident, describing it as “deeply unfortunate.”
“We appeal to residents to adhere strictly to safety measures. The fire started in a room before spreading quickly to other parts of the building,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.
The Scene of the Fire
According to LASEMA, the blaze destroyed eight rooms and a living room, one mini flat, six shops, and household properties worth millions of naira.
Distress calls were received on the agency’s emergency lines at 11:43 a.m., prompting activation of the State’s Emergency Response Plan from its Onipanu Base. By 12:13 p.m., responders arrived to find the bungalow and two adjoining shops engulfed in flames.
“Our team conducted a risk assessment and cordoned off the area. Safety measures were implemented to prevent damage to adjoining buildings,” Oke-Osanyintolu explained.
Despite several hours of firefighting, the elderly woman’s body was later recovered and handed over to her family.
Responders on Ground
The operation was coordinated by LASEMA’s Response Team, working alongside the Lagos Fire and Rescue Service, Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), and Vice Chairman of Lagos Mainland LGA, Adewale Moshood Momo.
Oke-Osanyintolu commended the collaborative efforts of all responders, noting their swift intervention helped contain the fire and prevent further casualties.
A Life Cut Short
Neighbours described the deceased as a gentle, respected matriarch who had lived in the community for decades. Her death has left residents shaken, highlighting once again the vulnerability of elderly citizens in fire emergencies.
“Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Your wounds are our wounds,” Oke-Osanyintolu said in solidarity with those injured and affected by the disaster.
As investigations continue into the immediate and remote causes of the fire, authorities have renewed calls for residents to adopt strict fire safety practices, especially in densely populated areas.